(Denver-CO) The Denver Nuggets rebounded admirably after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves and ending their 17-game home winning streak by scoring a season-high 135 points in a win over Golden State. Denver also recorded their highest total rebounding mark of the season with 57 boards total and a +22 rebounding edge overall.
We all knew that the Nuggets were going to give a great effort against the 'Dubs after George Karl had called the team an "embarrassment" and questioned if he had five players that would play hard every night, but this game didn't exactly start smoothly for the Nuggets. In the first quarter, Denver still looked a bit confused defensively on the pick and roll which was magnified by Vladimir Radmanovic making the Nuggets pay from distance when they would not communicate stepping out on him. Radmanovic finished with a total of eleven points in the first quarter on a variety of open looks as a result and the Warriors actually took a, 28-25, lead into the second.
Now, me personally, I'm glad the Nuggets were on the short end of the score after the first quarter. It was an emergency wake-up call to this team to which they needed to respond to in dramatic fashion. Down by eight after Monta Ellis' three-point play late in the first quarter, the Nuggets gained control with a second-quarter surge that saw them match a season high for points in a quarter (44) and a season high for points in the first half en route to a 69-55 lead at halftime.
Respond they did.
The Nuggets came out fired up in the second quarter and dominated. Denver outscored the Warriors 44-27 in the period while shooting 16-25 from the field and got to the free-throw line for twelve attempts. The Nuggets decided to play hard nose basketball on the defensive end and finally didn't settle for isolation jumpers on the other. The results left no question that Denver, when cornered, can be as physical when attacking the oppossing team's defense as any team in the league leaving no doubt as to who is the best team on the floor.
I especially liked the uptempo pace that Ty Lawson brought off the bench. The Nuggets made their biggest run with the speed of Lawson pushing the Golden State transition to its breaking point and his suprisingly consistent shooting has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. Lawson was 3-4 from the field, all mid range jumpers and a three, scoring nine points, pulling four rebounds, and handing out three dimes in a team-high +25 magin at the break. Carmelo Nene also responded in the second quarter. 'Melo scored 13 of his team-high 17 points at the break in the second quarter while Nene was great defensively with nine rebounds, two blocks, and 14 points.
Up by 14 entering the second half, typically the Nuggets have let their opponent back into the game before ensuring the win, but after changing persona right in front of our eyes in the second quarter. Denver relentlessly poured on the points and never let any hope slip back into the Warriors. The Nuggets extended their lead to 107-84 by the end of the third quarter, closing the period with a flourish on successive dunks by the Bird.
Seven Nuggets players finished in double figures as the Nuggets coasted to a, 135-107, victory. Carmelo's 25 points tied Shaq's NBA record for most consecutive 20+ games to start a season with his 18th such offering, Nene added his sixth double-double of the year with 18 points and twelve rebounds, Chauncey Billups was a perfect 11-11 from the free-throw line for half of his 22 points, and Kenyon's ten points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots rounded out the starting five.
Ty Lawson's great first half and 13 points total were followed up by Chris Andersen's shot blocking and defense in the second half. The Birdman scored 14 points againt the Warriors, but completely dominated the second half finishing with five blocked shots and eight rebounds. J.R. Smith scored ten points, but struggled offensively turning the ball over a team-high five times.
Take this with you, Nuggets Nation: This team grew a lot against the Warriors after such a rude awakening from the Timberwolves. They should realize that when they play with a chip on their shoulder they can annihilate lesser teams like the Warriors and they play their best basketball when a challege has been issued.
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The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 
As always, thanks Nugg Doctor for the recap, I'm learning so much from you. Now what is that round thing called?